Laboratory Manager

At MicroHarvest, we're reinventing how the world produces protein — fast, sustainably, and at scale. By harnessing the power of microorganisms, we create nutritious proteins that can be made anywhere, helping solve one of humanity's biggest challenges: feeding a growing world sustainably.

We're now looking for a Laboratory Manager to bring structure, safety, and smart systems to the beating heart of our innovation: our R&D lab in Hamburg. You'll make sure everything runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently — so our scientists can focus on what they do best: shaping the future of food.

This is a hands-on role where you'll build, optimize, and own the lab operations that enable world-class research in fermentation and biotechnology.

Tasks

• Run the lab: Oversee daily operations, ensuring everything from equipment to inventory runs like clockwork.
• Build smarter systems: Design and continuously improve workflows, infrastructure, and digital tools (LIMS, ELN, booking systems).
• Champion quality: Maintain, audit, and evolve our quality management system, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards (ISO, GLP, GMP/HACCP).
• Keep us safe: Act as the lab's Safety Officer, ensuring full compliance with German/EU safety and biosafety regulations (ArbSchG, GefStoffV incl. REACH, GHS/CLP, TRGS, BioStoffV S1/S2, BetrSichV, and GenTG/GenTSV).
• Lead by influence: Coach and onboard scientists into best practices for safety, sustainability, and quality — building a strong culture of care and excellence.
• Be our go-to expert for laboratory operations: Manage vendor relations, safety documentation, audits, and inspections — and always stay one step ahead of evolving regulations.

Requirements

• Degree in microbiology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioprocess engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred; Bachelor's with 5+ years of experience welcome).
• 3+ years managing laboratory operations, ideally in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or food biotech.
• Hands-on experience setting up or improving lab systems, infrastructure, processes, or quality frameworks.
• Fluent in German and English — and fluent in getting things done .
• Deep understanding of German/EU lab regulations and safety frameworks.
• Detail-oriented, structured, and calm under pressure — yet proactive, curious, and open to change.
• Experienced in project management.
• A confident communicator who builds trust and drives adoption of new practices across teams, while standing firm on quality and safety standards.

Bonus points for:

• Experience as or training for Safety Officer or similar (SiFa, BSO, GefStoffB, etc).
• Experience with audits, QMS setup, or risk and regulatory management.
• Experience working in startups or scale-ups, and understanding how to build effective processes in dynamic organizations.

Benefits

At MicroHarvest, you'll be part of a fast-moving team where bold science meets hands-on action and real results.

We offer:

• A high-impact role in a purpose-driven company changing the future of food.
• A collaborative, international team that celebrates curiosity and learning.
• Freedom to shape processes and systems your way — and see real results.

Here, your work doesn't just keep a lab running.
It powers a mission.

Ready to make science flow?
Send us your CV — we'd love to meet you.

​​​​​​ At MicroHarvest_, we value diversity and as such we do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable laws._ MicroHarvest respectfully encourages people from all backgrounds and under-represented groups to apply for this position.